MGM China, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, has shown a keen interest in potential investment opportunities within Thailand’s emerging casino development sector, according to recent reports. Macau China Holdings, the Macau-based division of MGM Resorts, is considering its options for expanding into Thailand, a market that has attracted considerable attention from various international gaming companies.

The Bangkok Post recently highlighted discussions between the Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China, Pansy Ho, and Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). These talks, held late last week, centered on collaborative opportunities to boost tourism between Macau and Thailand. Pansy Ho was visiting Bangkok as part of the “Experience Macao Roadshow in Bangkok,” an initiative by the Macao Government Tourism Office aimed at promoting Macau’s tourism offerings.

According to statements reported by the Bangkok Post and quoted by Inside Asian Gaming, Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that MGM China is keen to enhance Macau’s tourism appeal to the Thai market and is actively exploring new investment possibilities within Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex industry. This potential investment could involve MGM China either leading a consortium or participating with a smaller stake alongside its parent company.

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts has previously expressed interest in Thailand, characterizing the market as “interesting” during a recent earnings call for the first quarter of 2024. He emphasized the importance of governmental decisions in this process, stating, “Obviously, it’s fully within the government’s control and hands at this point. The dialog to date has been encouraging. We will see. The cost to do business there, the margins that could be had would be compelling [but] I don’t want to get ahead of that curve.”

Spotlight on the Thai Market

The enthusiasm for the Thai market is not limited to MGM China. Macau’s casino operators are increasingly targeting Thai tourists, who rank eighth among the Special Administrative Region’s (SAR) top source markets for tourism. The Bangkok Post also reported comments from a representative of Galaxy Entertainment Group, who revealed plans to open a new office in Bangkok soon. This move aims to bolster the company’s marketing efforts directed at attracting Thai players to Macau.

The ongoing dialogue and exploratory visits underscore the strategic importance of Thailand as a burgeoning market for casino and entertainment investments. For Macau-based operators like MGM China and Galaxy Entertainment, the Thai market represents an untapped potential for expanding their footprint and enhancing their tourism inflows.

As discussions continue and potential investment frameworks take shape, the focus remains on how these developments will align with Thailand’s regulatory landscape and economic strategies. As MGM China and other industry players await further clarity from the Thai government, the groundwork is being laid for what could become a major new chapter in Southeast Asia’s gaming and tourism landscape.